Many women may be purchasing pain relief medication that is less effective for period cramps than other available options, according to a large study analyzing supermarket sales data. The research, which examined a decade of loyalty card transactions from a major high street store chain in England, found that paracetamol was the most frequently bought painkiller alongside tampons and sanitary towels.
Experts suggest that ibuprofen could be a more effective choice for many individuals experiencing menstrual cramps because it directly addresses muscle contractions. While paracetamol works primarily in the brain to block pain signals, making it suitable for headaches, ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces swelling and eases pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances linked to the painful contractions of the womb muscle during menstruation.
The study, published in the journal PLoS Digital Health, analyzed purchase data from 3.4 million shoppers across 211 million transactions between 2006 and 2015. Researchers found that approximately half of all transactions for menstrual products also included a pain relief product. Of these pain relief purchases, about two-thirds were paracetamol-based, with the remaining third being ibuprofen.
Researchers noted that paracetamol's greater familiarity might explain its more frequent purchase. "Half of menstrual product transactions also included a pain product," the study found. "Of those pills, around two-thirds were paracetamol-based and the other third being ibuprofen."
Dr. Anya Skatova, a co-researcher from Bristol University, cautioned that the data provides a snapshot rather than a nationally representative view but offers insights into purchasing habits for period pain relief. She stated, "The transactions reveal the 'scale and impact' of period pain and how people manage it, which has not been studied much before."
Professor James Goulding, an investigator from Nottingham University, highlighted a potential public health education opportunity and a noted lack of research into period pain. "I don't think I'm going out on a limb here by saying that if men got period pain, we'd know a lot more about it by now," he commented.
Endometriosis UK advises that starting ibuprofen the day before or several days before expected period pain can be beneficial, as it can help mitigate prostaglandin production before it escalates. The NHS recommends consulting a doctor if severe period pain interferes with daily activities or causes concern, as it could indicate underlying health conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids.
It is important to note that, like all medications, pain relief tablets can have side effects, and ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone. Individuals should always review product information before use.